For Immediate Release
May 11, 2021
Contact: Stacy Johnston
Acting Public Information Officer
505.250.3926
Work search resumes for unemployment claimants
(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has notified unemployment insurance claimants that the work search wavier has ended and they must start documenting at least two work search activities per week beginning this week, May 9-15, 2021 and each week thereafter.
“With the decline in COVID-19 spread and the successful rollout of the vaccine, we have the tools to move New Mexico forward,” said Acting Secretary Ricky Serna. “As a result, more employers are now able to increase their reopening efforts, including bringing more staff back to work and hiring new positions.”
Requirements of work search include claimants keeping a log of:
The date of their contact;
The type of work it was;
Work search information such as the employer’s name, the job location contact person, or website address;
The type of contact and contact information (such as phone number or web address), and;
What was the result of their contact.
Claimants may also fulfill their work search requirements by attending different workshops offered by New Mexico Workforce Connection Centers across the state. For more information on workshops visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/workshops.
The New Mexico Workforce Connection Online System, www.jobs.state.nm.us, provides claimants access to more than 64,000 current job openings across the state, along with job training opportunities, and career services. Job Seekers can update or create a resume using the online “Resume Builder” and match with an employer looking to hire now using the “Virtual Recruiter” in their job search.
Individuals may also contact their local New Mexico Workforce Connection to work one-on-one with a career specialist on employment and career goals. Specialists are providing services by phone, email, in-person appointment, and virtual meetings. A list of local offices can be found at https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Office-Locations or by calling 1-800-303-3599.
Work search is a federal requirement -- claimants receiving benefits must be able, available, and actively looking for work to receive unemployment insurance benefits. In March 2020, the Department of Workforce Solutions suspended this requirement by implementing an emergency rule which states “in the event of a public health emergency declaration issued by the governor, work search shall be waived for all claimants at the discretion of the secretary.” More information regarding work search requirements can be found on the NMDWS Website https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Work-Search-Requirement-Information.
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